Of Pugs and Prejudice
Online games are a way for people to get together, have fun, and complete quests. If you have a close group of friends that play together or a good guild, grouping is easy and mostly painless. Unfortunately sometimes you can’t find a group or everyone is doing something else. Then you begin to ponder joining a pug (Pick up group). You begin to think, “Should I really pug this? Is it worth it?”
In World of Warcraft pugs can be good or bad, it is really a 50-50 chance. I have been lucky that most pugs I have been in (recently) have been pretty good. No nonsense, with a get it done attitude. In guild runs pugging a much needed tank or healer can yield mixed results.
A few weeks ago our guild had to pug a tank for a heroic toc run. We didn’t have any tanks in guild that could go so I suggested we pug one. After a small discussion and “shudders” in chat we found what appeared to be a tank. As soon as the instance started, the tank began running his mouth; “Wow you guys really suck. Why do I always end up with such losers?” No one had even started attacking anything at this point. We assumed he was joking, oh how wrong we were.
This continued the entire trial, up to the black knight. Finally one of our guildies had enough. One of the dpsers decided to quit and bring his tank so we can dump the mouth. We quit and reformed and were able to complete the run jerk free. All I could say is, some people’s kids.
The question that comes to mind is what was this anonymous stranger thinking? Did he think that berating people would make him seem cool or superior? Tips for all you guys joining pugs out there; be respectful of your team, do not belittle anyone regardless of how bad they do, and of course have fun.
Pugging can indeed yield mixed results, don’t let this prevent you from taking a chance. For every bad pug experience I have had, there are at least five good ones. I have been fortunate to have met some good people in the process of joining and pugging roles for a team. When you find a good player don’t be afraid to add them to your friends list, most of the time they will add you as well. Good luck and happy Pugging.
